Recommendations for hand-applied polish

MassBimmer · 09-29-2010, 02:26 PM

Hey guys, I've used this forum and detailedimage.com to learn a lot about proper washing/drying, polishing and waxing techniques. It's been hugely helpful so far.

I was curious as to what you guys would recommend for a polish that will be hand-applied? I've obviously made my fair share of washing mistakes since I bought the car so I have a decent amount of swirling. What would work best to get this out if I'm not using a random orbital? (or should I just break down and buy the damn buffer) Thanks!

Bobble · 09-29-2010, 03:06 PM

Buy a DA polisher. They are safe and easy to use for minor corrections and really cut down on the time it takes. I still use the pros for major corrections but light polishing, sealers and wax I use the PC.

fisherbln · 09-29-2010, 03:09 PM

You won't remove many swirls by hand. I would suggest using a glaze to cover/hide the swirls if you aren't getting an orbital. You'll just feel like you've wasted your time using a polish by hand over the entire car.

UncleWede · 09-29-2010, 05:47 PM

^ or else you'll be an amzing martial artist

jmen11 · 09-29-2010, 08:46 PM

Get the DA. If you polish by hand all you will end up with are shiny swirls, in fact you might even add a few. Even the DA buffer will take some work I can't imagine by hand, just get it.

MuttGrunt · 09-29-2010, 11:02 PM

Once you try polishing by hand and then get a DA, you'll understand it would have been worth the purchase from the beginning if it was twice as expensive.
Get a DA - it'll still take you forever, but at least you can do more than 1/2 a panel in a day.

09-29-2010, 02:26 PM	#1
MassBimmer Major General 306 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	Recommendations for hand-applied polish Hey guys, I've used this forum and detailedimage.com to learn a lot about proper washing/drying, polishing and waxing techniques. It's been hugely helpful so far. I was curious as to what you guys would recommend for a polish that will be hand-applied? I've obviously made my fair share of washing mistakes since I bought the car so I have a decent amount of swirling. What would work best to get this out if I'm not using a random orbital? (or should I just break down and buy the damn buffer) Thanks!
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09-29-2010, 03:06 PM	#2
Bobble Major 56 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Whatever POS the wife leaves Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Buy a DA polisher. They are safe and easy to use for minor corrections and really cut down on the time it takes. I still use the pros for major corrections but light polishing, sealers and wax I use the PC.
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09-29-2010, 03:09 PM	#3
fisherbln Captain 12 Rep 859 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	You won't remove many swirls by hand. I would suggest using a glaze to cover/hide the swirls if you aren't getting an orbital. You'll just feel like you've wasted your time using a polish by hand over the entire car. __________________ 2007 335i SG Coupe 2009 128i AW
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09-29-2010, 05:47 PM	#4
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17963 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	^ or else you'll be an amzing martial artist
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09-29-2010, 08:46 PM	#5
jmen11 Private First Class 1 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 328i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: O.C.,CA iTrader: (0)	Get the DA. If you polish by hand all you will end up with are shiny swirls, in fact you might even add a few. Even the DA buffer will take some work I can't imagine by hand, just get it. __________________ 2011 e90 328i \| Montego Blue \| Black Dakota \| Premium \| Value Pkg. \| STEPTRONIC \| Nav \| Harman Kardon \| Xenon \| 2000 Trans Am WS6 \| Black \| Black lthr. \| Hurst 6MT \| T-tops \| Eibach pro kit \| Koni SA \| Borla \|
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09-29-2010, 11:02 PM	#6
MuttGrunt Banned 27 Rep 872 Posts Drives: beater;) Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SE Michigan iTrader: (0)	Once you try polishing by hand and then get a DA, you'll understand it would have been worth the purchase from the beginning if it was twice as expensive. Get a DA - it'll still take you forever, but at least you can do more than 1/2 a panel in a day.
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